The Surfing World Pays Tribute To Derek Ho

Yesterday afternoon surfing lost one of its greats: Derek Ho. He was the first surfer to bring a World Title to Hawaii, one of the first to truly tame Pipeline (proven by his 2x Pipe Masters), and even to this year was one of the better surfers out at Pipe on a good day. 

It is reported that Derek, better known as Uncle D, suffered a heart attack and was placed on a ventilator. Unfortunately, he passed away later that day. 

Derek’s passing comes as shock, and the surfing world reacted in the expected manner posting tributes to social media, as well condolences to the Ho family. 

Here are some of the many tributes, memories, and stories shared today in memory of Uncle D. His influence on the surfing world was widespread and his passing one which will take some time to comprehend. 

From John Florence: Such a sad day for our community. Derek Ho has been someone I’ve always looked up to growing up, from being the first Hawaiian world champion to being able to get giant barrels at pipe in his fifties with his brother and family. I hope that I can be surfing out there smiling getting waves like he did when I’m that age with my brothers. Thank you Uncle Derek for all you have done for our sport and all the inspiration you have given.

Brent Bielmann: When I think about Derek I see his big smile and him checking the waves at Pipe from the volcom house deck. You could count on seeing him almost every time you walked through that gate. If not there then in the lineup. A world champ, yet still a kid at heart when in the ocean. Here is one of my favorite photos I have of him at backdoor and a recent video from pipe. Just look at the stoke on his face when he comes out of the barrel at pipe. One of the best to ever do it! You will truly be missed @derekho1980
Rest in Paradise.

Kala Alexander: The man. The myth. The legend. Our hero. Words can never express what this man stood for and meant to all of us growing up here in Hawaii. From the first time I surfed #Sunset and #Pipeline 38 years ago until now #UncleD was always on the best waves and dominating. He always surfed more than anyone. Always so psyched. More psyched to surf than anyone I have ever met. Only #UncleMike and #Mason came close. Going to miss that smile and that #Mana. My Aloha goes out to the Ho Ohana. Love you guys. I’m always here for you. Love you Uncle D ! ❤️ You always put a smile on my face. #FirstHawaiianWorldChamp #Hawaiian #KanakaMaoli #NorthshoresFinest #WaimanaloBoy #LegendsNeverDie #RestinParadise #AhuiHou 

Sheldon Paishon: Heart broken right now. Cant even think strait. Love u so much uncle D never will ever forget the special moments i got to share with u in and out the water. Every time i ever stepped foot out at pipe i would only think about u and where is uncle D sitting because i just felt safe knowing u was around and out there . I know surfing will never ever be the same with out u. My Ohana and I just wana send our prayers and condolences to all the Ho family. REST IN LOVE PEACE AND IN THE BARREL UNCLE Derick HO HE Will live on in all of us Hawaiian surfers we will never forget him he will always be a part of us. FIRST HAWAIIAN WORLD CHAMP

Our thoughts and condolences are with the Ho family and all of those who were close to Derek.